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Four Days Across the Atlantic Mostly by Propeller Plane

This completed crossing linked Aberdeen, Bergen, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and New York in four days, although the route was initially expected to take nearly a week. Aircraft substitutions, weather…

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Travel inspiration for Four Days Across the Atlantic Mostly by Propeller Plane

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Travel inspiration behind this plan

I Tried Crossing the Atlantic on Tiny Propeller Planes Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This completed crossing linked Aberdeen, Bergen, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and New York in four days, although the route was initially expected to take nearly a week. Aircraft substitutions, weather and a cancellation disrupted the plan; two flights ended up being on jets rather than turboprops. Check current schedules, baggage arrangements and travel-document requirements, and leave contingency time for remote connections. On this trip, flexible tickets cost about $20–30 extra per flight; the Widerøe flexible fare also included lounge access and fast-track security. Greenland flights and hotels can be expensive, and Ilulissat can be very cold, so bring warm, wind-resistant layers. Check current prices, schedules and service availability before travelling.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1–2: Aberdeen to Ilulissat via Bergen, Vágar and Keflavík

The planned route went from Aberdeen through Bergen and Vágar before continuing through Iceland to Ilulissat. The Bergen–Vágar Dash 8 flight took about two hours. At Vágar, the expected Icelandair Dash 8 to Reykjavík was replaced with a Boeing 737, and the terminal was crowded. In Keflavík, Uber was not available during this trip; a conventional taxi was the option mentioned for reaching town. Allow flexibility for aircraft and connection changes.

  1. Aberdeen AirportAberdeen Airport, Aberdeen, Scotland

    Start the crossing here. The route was initially expected to take nearly a week, though the completed journey took four days and included aircraft changes. Check each connection and operating aircraft rather than assuming a scheduled turboprop will be used.

  2. Bergen Airport, FleslandBergen Airport, Flesland, Bergen, Norway

    Coffee and breakfast were available before the onward flight. Flexible tickets cost about $20–30 extra per flight on this trip; the Widerøe flexible fare also included lounge access and fast-track security. Confirm current fare benefits when booking.

  3. Vágar AirportVágar Airport, Sørvágur, Faroe Islands

    This was the departure point for the Reykjavík connection. The expected Icelandair Dash 8 was replaced by a Boeing 737, and the terminal was crowded while passengers waited. Build flexibility into connections planned around a particular aircraft.

  4. Keflavík International AirportKeflavík International Airport, Reykjanesbær, Iceland

    At security, passengers were asked to remove laptops and liquids before the onward Icelandair flight to Ilulissat. Check current screening instructions and aircraft assignments before travel. Uber was not available in Iceland during this trip; a conventional taxi was the option mentioned for getting to town.

  5. The Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ RollThe Icelandic Museum of Rock ’n’ Roll, Reykjanesbær, Iceland

    Browse Icelandic rock musicians and music memorabilia at this Keflavík museum. The collection included a Sigur Rós vinyl album that made a fitting music-themed gift.

  6. IlulissatIlulissat, Greenland

    The approach offers striking fjord and iceberg views from the air. Prepare for very cold conditions; flights and hotel stays in Greenland can be expensive.

  7. Disko BayDisko Bay, Greenland

    Whales surfaced in Disko Bay, visible from the waterfront room where the creator stayed. Keep warm and allow time to watch the water; the lodging itself was not identified.

  8. Ilulissat AirportIlulissat Airport, Greenland

    Before departure, the creator learned that the bag would need to be collected and checked in again in Nuuk because the travel-document issue could not be resolved here. Confirm baggage handling and document requirements for each leg of a multi-carrier route.

Day 3: Nuuk, Iqaluit and the disrupted onward connection

The Ilulissat–Nuuk leg included a short coastal flight low over icebergs before continuing south. In Nuuk, allow time to collect baggage and check in again; the terminal was small and crowded, and there was time for coffee while waiting. The Nuuk–Iqaluit flight was described as the only air link between Greenland and Canada, operating once weekly for about three months in summer. Poor weather can prevent a landing in Iqaluit, so leave contingency time. The planned Canadian North connection thro…

  1. Nuuk AirportNuuk Airport, Nuuk, Greenland

    Allow time to collect baggage and check in again before continuing. The small, crowded terminal delayed the process; confirm onward arrangements with the airline. The preceding coastal flight included a low pass over icebergs.

  2. Iqaluit AirportIqaluit Airport, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

    The arrival day included poutine—fries topped with gravy and cheese—as a Canadian food to try. A cancellation broke the planned Canadian North connection to Kuujjuaq, where the route was meant to link with Air Inuit; the next service was four days away. A private PC-12 charter was considered at a quoted $7,000, but the creator instead took a delayed Boeing 737 to Ottawa. Check alternatives before relying on a tight remote-route connection.

Day 4: Ottawa to Manhattan

After arriving in Ottawa more than ten hours late, the creator stayed overnight at the terminal-attached ALT Hotel, slept for about six hours and returned to the airport. The final turboprop leg was a Porter Dash 8 Q400 flight to New York. From Newark, a Blade flying-taxi ride completed the journey into Manhattan; a $50 discount on a first flight was offered at the time, so check current availability and terms.

  1. ALT Hotel Ottawa AirportALT Hotel Ottawa Airport, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Attached to the airport terminal, the ALT Hotel offered a convenient overnight stop after a very late arrival. The creator had about six hours to sleep before returning to the terminal.

  2. Ottawa International AirportOttawa International Airport, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Before boarding, the creator passed through security and immigration and stopped at Tim Hortons for coffee. Leave time for airport formalities and confirm the current departure and immigration process.

  3. Newark Liberty International AirportNewark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey, United States

    This was the arrival point for the final turboprop leg from Ottawa. The subsequent Blade flying-taxi ride from Newark was the last transfer into Manhattan; the source mentioned a $50 discount on a first flight at the time, not a current offer.

  4. ManhattanManhattan, New York City, New York, United States

    The crossing ended in Manhattan after four days, numerous flights and two jet legs. The final transfer from Newark was by Blade flying taxi.